Tongaat Huletts’ dedication to growing a sweeter future shows in the impactful work we carry out within our neighbouring communities. Whether it’s ensuring students have a brighter future through the provision of school uniforms and wholesome meals, or hosting a career day for aspiring engineering students at our mill, our commitment to community growth and well-being remains unwavering. Here are some of the initiatives we’ve been working on in our communities:
DUT Engineers Visit Felixton Sugar Mill
On October 11th, Felixton Sugar Mill welcomed a special delegation from Durban University of Technology’s Department of Electrical Power Engineering. The visit gave the students and staff a comprehensive insight into the operations and vision of the mill. Led by Lungelo Miya, an alumnus of DUT and the site’s Electrical Engineer, alongside support from Andrew Gielink, Andile Mnguni, and Mpumelelo Mthembu, the tour was divided into two segments. The theoretical part delved into the mill’s background, sugar processing, and renewable cogeneration, allowing the visitors to connect their academic knowledge with real-world applications. In the practical segment, the guests had the opportunity to explore the facility, witnessing the machinery and systems they had studied, in action. The Head of the Department of Electrical Power Engineering at DUT expressed the profound impact of this visit on both students and staff. They found it informative, motivational, and enlightening – enriching their understanding of the subjects – an integral part to their academic curriculum. This visit was more than just a tour, it was a step toward fostering collaboration for the development and progress of South Africa’s future engineers.
Empowering Learners with School Uniforms
Over the last 9 years, our school uniform campaign has benefited more than 5,000 learners. In partnership with Zwandaba Trading, Tongaat Hulett had the privilege of giving back to the KwaMathonsi community. We donated 100 school uniforms to learners from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, continuing our ongoing commitment to support pupils in need within our sugar cane-growing communities. Parents can now rest assured that their children have presentable school uniforms, allowing them to invest family resources where they’re needed most. Our collaboration with KwaMathonsi Trust and Zwandaba Trading has truly been a reason to celebrate. As part of our ongoing efforts to make amends, the farm was handed back to the community in 2020. This gesture towards the Doorinkop community has been met with warm appreciation.
Celebrating World Food Day
On World Food Day, October 16, our incredible Agric Team at Tongaat Hulett joined forces with the Red Cross Society to spread kindness. Together, they visited families still grappling with the aftermath of the 2022 KZN Floods, providing both solace and support to those displaced in Frasers, Tongaat’s shared commune housing. During this visit, our team served a total of 250 hot meals, offering hope to the flood-affected families. We pledged to donate 100 bags of 10kg Huletts Sugar to the Red Cross Society, enabling them to extend their support to more indigent households within the municipality.
None of this would have been possible without the remarkable partnership with the Red Cross Society, the unwavering support of Zwandaba Trading, the enthusiasm of Durban University of Technology’s Electrical Power Engineering department, and, of course, the tireless dedication of the amazing teams at Tongaat Hulett, all sharing commitment to grow a sweeter future. As we reflect on these heartwarming moments, we’re reminded that a sweet future is a collaborative creation, a vision we’ll continue to nurture hand in hand.
